Flying V’s Hat Trick: Habs overcome Canucks in HNIC beatdown

WTF was that?

The Vancouver Canucks jumped out to an early lead but were blasted by the Canadiens on Saturday in a 4-1 loss at Rogers Arena. Carey Price kept the Habs in the game during a busy first period allowing Blake Geoffrion to respond in the second, deflecting his first as a Canadien past Roberto Luongo.

The Hat Trick

Kesler

Ryan Kesler had another strong game from Vancouver’s American Express line alongside David Booth and Chris Higgins on Saturday, ripping home his 21st of the season past Carey Price midway through the first period.

As the Sedins continue to struggle offensively Kesler and company have been doing their best to keep up the slack, but the Canucks simply cannot survive as a one-line team.

The ability to roll two top scoring lines will be key for Alain Vigneault and the Canucks heading into the playoffs once the twins can turn it around.

Cole

Erik Cole scored a pair of goals on Saturday, putting home his own rebound twice to beat Roberto Luongo while streaking down the right wing. Luongo will want back both of Cole’s goals, but had reason to complain with his defence who continued to allow the Canadiens into the zone with ease.

Cole’s second goal of the night occurred only 13 seconds into the third period after a costly breakdown on the blue line allowed Cole in on goal.

Subban

The Canucks were caught running around in their own zone early in the third period, leading to back-to-back delay of game penalties by Chris HigginsandAlex Edler.

With a length 5-on-3 power play to work with, Andrei Markov and the Habs set up around Roberto Luongo allowing PK Subban to unleash a bomb from the top of left circle for his 7th of the season.